Seoul, South Korea – A new Korean pop group with a Hong Kong-born member is set to touch down in the city this weekend, marking their first overseas performance barely a week after their official debut. The five-member boy band EMOTI:M will perform at the iconic Central Market in Hong Kong on Saturday, August 8, following the release of their debut single album CONNECT on July 31.
The group, formed under a yet-to-be-disclosed label, consists of members Ju Hyun, Yeong Ho, Rei, Chan Yul, and Jin Won. Among them, Yeong Ho, a 21-year-old from Hong Kong, serves as the lead vocalist. He pursued his dream of becoming a K-pop idol in South Korea, where he not only honed his singing abilities but also developed skills in 3D animation production, adding a layer of creative diversity to the band.
EMOTI:M’s journey to the spotlight began before their official debut, largely thanks to a strategic social media campaign. On TikTok, the group accumulated over 400,000 followers by posting dance covers of popular acts such as TWS’s Countdown!, BOYNEXTDOOR’s Earth, Wind & Fire, Cortis’s RED RED, and BTS’s 2.0. Their videos have collectively garnered more than 5.4 million likes and 5.7 million views, signaling strong pre-debut interest from international fans.
The decision to hold the group’s first overseas activity in Hong Kong was directly influenced by Yeong Ho’s roots. “Since Yeong Ho is from here, we wanted our first international stop to be meaningful for him and for our fans,” a representative for the group said. The performance, scheduled for Saturday at Central Market—a revitalized heritage site known for its distinct Hong Kong character—will feature live renditions of their new tracks, including the lead single SPARK.
Members have expressed excitement about meeting their local fanbase, known as MOTI, in person. “We’ve prepared a lot and can’t wait to share the energy of SPARK with everyone in Hong Kong,” Yeong Ho said in a statement.
The group’s rapid domestic and international engagement highlights a shifting trend in K-pop, where digital virality and localized talent can accelerate a rookie act’s global reach. Industry observers note that EMOTI:M’s early focus on social media—combined with the draw of a Hong Kong member—could give them a competitive edge in the crowded boy band market.
As K-pop continues to expand its footprint beyond Korea, EMOTI:M’s Hong Kong showcase this weekend will serve as an early test of their cross-border appeal. For now, the group’s focus remains on connecting with fans and building momentum just days into their career.
